Final Duke Rape Report Issued — (The Smoking Gun)

The Smoking Gun

Prosecutor details accuser’s credibility, drug impairment problems

APRIL 27–Two weeks after exonerating a trio of men charged in the Duke lacrosse case, North Carolina prosecutors today released a report detailing numerous “self contradictions” on the accuser’s part as well as other investigative deficiencies in the case that led them to drop all criminal charges.

The “Summary of Conclusions” report, a copy of which you’ll find below, was released this morning by North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper, who took control of the Duke case from Durham District Attorney Mike Nifong, whose handling of the matter has resulted in the filing of disciplinary charges against him.

One portion of Cooper’s report addresses “credibility issues” on the part of adult dancer Crystal Mangum, who leveled rape charges against the three Duke students. In another section of the document, Cooper describes recent interviews with an erratic Mangum during which she made several new claims that were contradicted by “photographic, documentary, and testimonial evidence.” Additionally, during an April 4 meeting with investigators, Mangum (pictured in the above mug shot) “demonstrated unsteady gait, slurred speech” and other mannerisms consistent with her behavior on the night of the purported assault.

The report notes that prosecutors confirmed that prior to her meeting with investigators, Mangum took several prescription drugs, including methadone; the sedative Ambien; and Paxil, an antidepressant. (21 pages)